The Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey

10/30/2025

Surgical view of callosotomy surgery.   You can clearly see the v-shaped leaflets of the septum pellucidum ensuring that the extent of the callosum has been sectioned.  Beautiful surgery and often has powerful impact for our patients.  

10/25/2025

10/23/2025

Many people believe that SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) only happens after “big” or generalized seizures — but that’s not always true.

While most SUDEP cases are linked to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, it can also occur in people who have less frequent or nighttime seizures. That’s why ongoing monitoring and seizure control matter for every patient.

💜 Awareness helps save lives.

10/13/2025

What research is being done on SUDEP?

Around the world, scientists and clinicians are working to better understand why SUDEP happens — and how to prevent it.

Current research focuses on several key areas, including:
🔹 Brain and heart connection: studying how irregular heart rhythms or breathing patterns may contribute to SUDEP.
🔹 Seizure detection and monitoring: developing wearable and implantable devices that can alert caregivers or automatically respond to seizure activity.
🔹 Genetics and biomarkers: identifying inherited or biological factors that may increase risk.
🔹 Sleep and nighttime monitoring: exploring why many SUDEP cases occur during sleep and how technology can help detect danger early.

Each study brings us closer to understanding and preventing SUDEP — and to the ultimate goal shared by the American Epilepsy Society and our team: Aim for Zero. 💜

10/10/2025

How can you reduce the risk of SUDEP?

While SUDEP is rare, there are steps you and your care team can take to help lower the risk. The most important goal is consistent seizure control — especially preventing generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Ways to help reduce risk include:
• Taking seizure medications as prescribed
• Getting enough sleep and managing stress
• Avoiding missed doses or sudden medication changes
• Treating sleep apnea or other sleep-related issues
• Using nighttime monitoring devices when appropriate
• Regularly checking in with your neurologist or epilepsy specialist

Awareness and consistency make a difference. Talk to your care team about your individual risk and ways to stay as safe and seizure-free as possible. 💜

10/10/2025

✨ In this part of our surgical consultation series, our patient Ahlim Byun talks about one of the most common questions patients have before surgery — “Will my head be shaved?”

It’s a concern we hear often, and an understandable one. Many epilepsy surgeries today are done using minimally invasive approaches, and in most cases, the entire head does not need to be shaved.

At the Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey, we use hair-sparing techniques whenever possible and understand how sensitive this topic can be. Our goal is always to make patients feel comfortable, confident, and cared for — in every detail.

In Ahlim’s case, Dr. Tomycz did not need to shave her head, which helped ease her anxiety and build trust before surgery.

Ahlim shares her experience and what she learned through her consultation — that this process is about clarity, comfort, and understanding every detail before making a decision. 💜

10/09/2025

The American Epilepsy Society’s motto, “Aim for Zero,” represents a simple but powerful goal — zero seizures, zero SUDEP.

It’s a reminder that every seizure matters. By aiming for complete seizure control, we not only improve quality of life but also help reduce the risks associated with epilepsy, including SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).

Reaching “zero” doesn’t happen overnight, and it looks different for every patient. It means working closely with your neurologist, exploring treatment options — from medications to neurostimulation and surgery — and staying consistent with care.

At the Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey, we share this goal. Together with our patients and families, we continue striving for safer, healthier, seizure-free lives. 💜

10/09/2025

Dr. Luke Tomycz on SUDEP: AIM for Zero

While SUDEP is rare, it’s one of the most serious risks associated with epilepsy. By talking about it openly, we can help families understand what it is, who may be at risk, and what steps can be taken to reduce that risk.

Awareness is not about fear — it’s about empowerment. Knowing the facts helps patients and families work together with their care teams to improve safety, manage seizures, and take proactive steps toward seizure control and prevention.

As the American Epilepsy Society reminds us, the goal is simple — Aim for Zero: zero seizures, zero SUDEP. Every conversation, every shared piece of knowledge brings us closer to that goal. 💜

This video is part of our ongoing series for SUDEP Awareness Month, as we continue to shed light on the topics that matter most to our patients and their loved ones.

10/07/2025

How common is SUDEP?

While SUDEP is rare, understanding its prevalence is an important part of epilepsy care — and awareness can help save lives.
• In adults with epilepsy, about 1 in 1,000 will die from SUDEP each year.
• In children, the risk is lower — around 1 in 4,500 per year.
• The risk is higher in people who experience frequent, uncontrolled generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Rates are generally similar worldwide but may be slightly higher in regions with limited access to epilepsy care.

Talking about SUDEP openly helps families and care teams work together to reduce risk — because every life matters. 💜

10/06/2025

What are the warning signs of SUDEP?
SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) often occurs without warning, but certain factors can increase the risk.

💜 Higher risk is associated with:
• Frequent tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures
• Seizures that happen at night or during sleep
• Missed or irregular medication
• Living alone or unsupervised during seizures
• Poor seizure control

While SUDEP cannot always be prevented, improving seizure control, consistent follow-up with your neurologist, and ensuring safety at night can significantly lower risk.

At The Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey, our mission is to help every patient and family understand their risks and take steps toward safety and peace of mind.

💜 Awareness saves lives.

10/05/2025

What is SUDEP?

SUDEP stands for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. It refers to the sudden and unexplained death of a person with epilepsy who was otherwise healthy, and no other cause of death is found.

While SUDEP is rare, it’s one of the most serious epilepsy-related risks — and awareness is the first step in reducing that risk. By talking about SUDEP openly, we hope to empower patients and families with knowledge and encourage important conversations with care teams about seizure safety and prevention.

💜 Stay tuned for more posts this month as we break down the facts, statistics, risk factors, and steps you can take to reduce risk.